Volunteer Program
“ I love working with my student once a week . She is part of an incredible family and we get along like a house on fire . Today she was due to give birth to her third child – very exciting ! I am confident that I am contributing to her general wellbeing .”
The volunteer program continues to grow , with many wonderful and inspiring people joining the Fitzroy Learning Network . We have nearly 300 volunteers on our books , who each contribute their unwavering energy each week to supporting the Fitzroy Learning Network and the broader community in some capacity . The generosity and respect demonstrated by the local volunteer community is indeed inspiring to reflect upon .
Most of our volunteers are working one-on-one with a student for an hour or two once a week , not including lesson preparation time . This tutoring relationship enables many people in the community to access English as a Second Language ( ESL ) education and / or assistance with their VCE , TAFE or University studies in a way that they might not otherwise be able to . For many tutors , the role extends to supporting their student in the resettlement process , which may include anything from assisting visa applications for family overseas , to citizenship test preparation , to sharing stories over a cup of tea with a newly-found friend .
We also have many volunteers entering into the ESL classroom each term to mentor the students in their learning . These classes are always a hive of activity , with the tea-break especially a great opportunity to socialise with the students outside of class , as well as some of the other volunteers . For the past two terms , we have had a brilliant group of ESL mentors teach an asylum seeker class three days a week , allowing the Fitzroy Learning Network to open its doors to a particularly marginalised group .
“ My student and her mum have started making me dinner nearly every Monday night which is totally amazing . I ’ m so glad to have met my student , and our sessions are often the best part of my week . I will definitely keep volunteering .”
Looking forward into 2014 , the aim of the volunteer program is to assist our students and clients in a compassionate , effective and committed way , and to ensure the volunteers also feel supported in their roles . There is much to be gained from the lessons of others , and volunteering is undoubtedly a two-way learning experience . More of a focus , therefore , will be placed on getting people together socially to share the challenges , positive or otherwise , of volunteering in the community . Not to mention the possibilities of meeting a great group of like-minded folk !
My name is Georgina Morgan and I am a volunteer in the ESL classes . This is my second year in ESL 2 and the joy it gives me each week brings me back year after year . I love the diversity of the cultures in the classes as they are all very special in their own ways . Some are more adept at reading and some better understand pronunciation , but between us all we help each other achieve a little goal each day .
When you acknowledge their achievements it brings huge smiles to their faces . They are all so appreciative of the time and effort I give them . My morning hugs , handshakes and questions about my family when I arrive makes me realise how much I ’ m appreciated , and how much trust they have in me . Its such a rewarding job as they all give 100 percent in their learning in class time . The English language is very difficult to learn , so I take my hat off to each and every one of them . There are many special moments ; from the students singing to me in their native tongue , to sharing family photos at morning tea . I love watching students from different walks of life help each other out in class , and there is nothing nicer than being told , “ My day is happy now that I have seen you ”.
I am very grateful for this opportunity that the Fitzroy Learning Centre has given me .
6 Fitzroy Learning Network Annual Report 2012 / 13